Mary became pregnant when she was raped at the age of 14, but with no support from her mother, she went through it all in secret and made the upsetting decision to abandon her son on the day he was born.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Now that nosy Norris knows the truth, upcoming Corrie episodes will see him use social media in a desperate bid to track down Mary's son Jude. (He needs a little help from Gemma Winter on that front, of course.)

ITV

When Norris (Malcolm Hebden) records an online video which urges Jude to get in touch, it paves the way for him to make a shock arrival at the café on Christmas Day.

Mary is hugely relieved when Jude opens up over his own past, confirming that he had a happy childhood with his new family.

The pair then develop such a quick bond that Jude even suggests Mary should move to South Africa to live with him and his wife.

ITV

ITV

Realising this is her chance for a much-needed fresh start, Mary breaks the news to her friends that she's decided to leave Weatherfield forever.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

As Mary prepares to depart on New Year's Eve, Norris turns protective by sternly warning Jude to take good care of her in South Africa. You tell him, Norris!

Mary also shares some emotional farewells with Dev, Aadi and Asha Alahan, before the rest of her friends gather in the Rovers Return to wish her well.

But when it comes to the crunch and Mary starts to get cold feet, will she really say goodbye to the Street forever? We hope not!

DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK
Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.